Cleveland Pride

Soneboy

Updating the classic dance anthem sound for the 21st century, Soneboy’s talent combines the sound of Erasure, David Bowie and No Doubt with his own twist, makes his vocal talents stand out from the rest of the musical pack. As an openly gay recording artist his wickedly brilliant lyrics combined with a dramatic conspicuous and stunning performance come through vigorously live. His enthusiasm and showmanship breaks through every time he has performed from the club scene, Prides and other events. He is looking forward to performing at Pride this year.

Twenty-two years ago Soneboy, walked into a gymnastics facility with big dreams and aspirations. Young Soneboy (sonni boy), as his grandmother would call him, started his artistic journey in one of the toughest sports for any athlete, mentally and physically. He loved the challenge of getting his body strong and flexible enough to perform such amazing skills. As he grew up, he continued to use the skills and discipline he acquired through gymnastics to enhance his creativity and passion for dance and music. Soneboy’s unique and catchy sound is inspired by the great artists of the 80′s and 90′s, along with his parent’s 50′s, 60′s, and 70′s music which made up the soundtrack of his youth. He began singing and songwriting at a very young age and always had a knack for performing. For the past 6 years, he has been performing with a multimedia performance ensemble where he has learned various styles of rhythms and dance. Soneboy is currently in the studio finishing his debut album. Here, you will get a chance to taste his eclectic sound style.

Soneboy plans to one-day tour the world, uplift spirits, and bring people back to themselves through music and dance. He believes that there is a place at the table for everyone. Everybody is a star! He often says, “Share the sun…’cuz we are one”. Enjoy his art, it is utterly delicious. “Create your song, create your dance, you can’t do wrong, and take a chance”.

Rachell Shortt

Rachel has been involved in the production of original music since the age of nine. Her sound is a little bit funk, a little bit folk, raw emotional peek into her soul, a woman’s heart in harmony. Every one of her shows holds its own personal connection with the audience. Several years ago, Rachel scored a winning slot on the North Coast Idol Finals, held by Union Station Video Cafe and Bounce Night Club, in Cleveland, OH. She has played all over the country and is happy to be playing at Cleveland Pride this year.

North Coast Men's Chorus

The North Coast Men’s Chorus is a community-based musical organization which affirms the gay experience by presenting entertaining, quality performances for diverse audiences; providing a supportive environment for its members; and promoting a positive presence in the gay community and beyond. Many voices, singing as one, the North Coast Men’s Chorus will be an integral and valued member of the Northeast Ohio Arts Community through the music we sing, the pride we feel, and the people we cherish.

Since the Chorus’ inception in 1988, Northeast Ohio’s largest gay chorus has more than doubled in size to over 100 members – and our audience numbers have done likewise. NCMC began offering two performances of every production during the 2001-02 Season following sellouts of all three performances during the 2000-01 Season. The beginning of our 2006-07 Season, our Holiday show, “A Joyful Noise”, saw a three-show performance schedule and very appreciative audiences.

Members of the Chorus represent the widest possible range of diversity: from doctors, lawyers, and bankers, to service workers and everything in between. Our programming reflects the same level of diversity, with singing, dancing and comedy, through music from around the world. The performances have become known for taking the audience through a range of emotions – laughter, tears, giggling, and foot-stomping fun. As one audience member, Sally of Medina, Ohio, noted, “We have had season tickets for several years and I have to say the Chorus gets better and better each year. I don’t know how Rich does it, but he has the guys singing with their hearts and it shows. Thank you from the bottom of my heart.” Barbara Willberg, co-founder of A Joyful Noise Neighborhood Music School located in Cleveland, Ohio’s west-side neighborhood said, “I, personally, was tickled to encounter your antics as a group and am happy to have found a new group’s concerts to attend. Thank you for becoming a part of the village that raises these children.”

Superego

Superego 2

Superego is a hard rock band hailing from the Rock N’ Roll capital Cleveland, OH. This is a band that knows what it means to work hard for their fans that work even harder all day. Superego is a fans band. Superego has the old school feel with in your face music that appeals to fans of all types of rock. Never letting up and never giving in, the band commands attention giving a show to the audience that is legendary of their arena band influences.

SUPEREGO is a hard rock band from Cleveland Ohio formed in March 2006 and consists of Daryl Svitak on vocals – Tim Parks on bass/backing vocals – Jim
Skuhrovec on guitar/backing vocals – Electric Andy Pierson on drums and Mike Qualey on guitar. They on the right track and going strong with their great live
shows and willingness to work hard for their fans. From the East side to the West side you can catch this band in a venue near you. When asked if we would
play the Cleveland Pride Festival we jumped at the chance to play in front of all the great people that are at this event every year and as supporters of the
LGBT Community we are proud and ready to rock the masses!

Love ‘em or hate ‘em, you will never walk away being disappointed from what you just seen or heard.

Learn more about Superego at http://www.myspace.com/superego1

Da Dollhouze

Da Dollhouze  is an all female singing group formed in Cleveland in 2005. Since then, the group has opened shows for such artists as The Ohio Players, The Whispers, The Dramatics, Forecast, The Average White Band, Mint Condition, Nikki Minaj, Trina and many other great artists. They also have four demos of original songs, “OMG”, “Alein Swagg”, “Can I Be Your Girl” and “Birthday Suit”. This will be their third consecutive year playing Cleveland Pride.

Corissa Bragg

Corissa Bragg is a singer/songwriter that spurns technical musicianship in favor of aching melodies and direct lyrics, she divides her time between playing in bands and performing solo. She navigates this perilous terrain with a singular voice, vocalizing intimate passions without succumbing to overblown melodrama or bloodless vanity. Her influences range from Hope Sandoval to Billie Holiday to Cat Power to Patsy Cline and many points in between.
Corissa was recently selected as one of ten musicians to watch in 2010 by Scene in Cleveland, OH. This Is Everything I Own is her debut album.

Blazing River Freedom Band

The Blazing River Freedom Band was formed in September 2003 (then named the Cleveland Lesbian Gay Allies Concert Marching Band) by Brandyn J. Metzko, a musical transplant from San Francisco. After months of recruiting to no avail, the band had decided to hang up its triangle in December of 2003. Fortunately, at the LGBA’s urging, the band resumed rehearsals in February 2004 and shortly began to grow.

Tommy Casarona, of the Blazing River Freedom Band states, “What’s a parade without a marching band?” The Blazing River Freedom Band is a LGBT marching band that was formed in 2003. They have performed at parades and festivals all over the country. They look forward to joining us again this year at Cleveland Pride. The Blazing River Freedom Band each year surrounds our friends around the “Free Stamp” to remind them that we are all one human race.

The Blazing River Freedom Band has performed a variety of times of the years including Cleveland Pride 2004, Chicago Pride 2004, Rochester Pride 2004, LGBA Conference 2004 Ft Lauderdale, Indianapolis Pride 2005, Cincinnati Pride 2005, Cleveland Pride 2005, Columbus Pride 2005, LGBA Conference 2005 Palm Springs, Fall Concert 2005, AIDS Walk 2005, Indianapolis Pride 2006, Cleveland Pride 2006, Lansing Pride 2006, Stage and Silver Screen 2006, AIDS Walk 2006, Honors Band 2007, Cleveland Pride 2007, Cleveland Pride 2008, Chicago Pride 2008, LGBA Conference 2008, New York Inauguration 2009, Cleveland Pride 2009, Chicago Pride 2009, Rochester Pride 2009, Frivolity – Gay Games Rock!, LGBA Conference 2009 New Orleans, Cleveland Pride 2010.

Anthony Covatta

A picture of raw talent folk rock/soul singer songwriter Anthony Covatta from Cleveland, Ohio brings soul and passion to every lyric and chord progression of his music. Anthony has been a staple in the Cleveland music scene for nearly 10 years. Anthony performs at Union Café, Bounce Nightclub on the 1st & 3rd Thursday monthly hosting Union Presents Live Music 9pm. Anthony Covatta is currently working on the full studio version of his 2nd full length album called “PROGRESS”. Anthony is very proud to be hitting the Cleveland PRIDE stage again, this will be Anthony’s third performance for Cleveland PRIDE having graced the PRIDE stage in 2009 & 2010.

Anthony Covatta is versed in piano, guitar, and vocals his music explores the many emotional facets of the human psyche, from love and loss, to addiction and hope all set to a folk-artist feel. Inspired by artists such as Ani Difranco, John Mayer and Lauryn Hill, Anthony Covatta is sure to make an impact on the music industry. The musical RENT by Jonathon Larson sparked huge inspiration to this artist, adding an interest in acting/theater. Currently working on a music video and tracks for his upcoming cd/dvd release “Open Mic Life,” he is also staying active in the Cleveland music scene, playing out wherever possible. This artists mission is not only to promote his own work, but all Cleveland music

Wasted Productions LOGO

Wasted Productions

WASTED PRODUCTIONS:
Wasted Productions is a Production Company from Cleveland Ohio powered by Donnie Waste and Christopher Dane/ Miss Red.
They host multiple events throughout the year to benefit community organizations such as The AIDS Taskforce, Cleveland Pride, The LGBT Center of Greater Cleveland, TRI-C Lambda Gay Straight Alliance, and they are not stopping there! Wasted Productions is known for extremely high energy and intense performances that are meant to entertain and to be an open forum for expression on many social and community issues. They pride themselves on being an open and inclusive collective of both established and new entertainers from all facets of the community.

CKG

CKG

THE CLEVELAND KINGS & GIRLS (THE CKG)
The Cleveland Kings and Girls have been entertaining and serving the LGBTQ community since 2005. Founded by Adam Apple (now retired) The CKG was the first “Drag King” troupe in the city of Cleveland. Since then the troupe has evolved into much more. We are now considered more of a “Performance Troupe” inclusive of not only Drag Kings but also Bio-Femme and Bio-Male entertainers and now Drag Queens. Our goal as a troupe is to raise awareness of all different sectors of the Community including Transgender/Queer activism and LGBTQ youth support just to name a few. We will continue to use our performances as a way to educate, energize and to instill pride and respect within and outside of our community.

(the) fundamentalists

CLEVELAND- Detroit’s own (the) fundamentalists will perform live on June 25^th at the 2011 Cleveland Pride Festival.

(the) fundamentalists are Pride veterans. They have played Pride festivals all over the country and in Canada and have also played Cleveland Pride. We welcome them back this year.

Chris Taylor of (the fundamentalists) states “(the) fundamentalists are really looking forward to returning to Cleveland Pride to move the masses because the last time we were here (2006), we had a fantastic time; were treated great by the Cleveland Pride staff; and MOST of all performed for one of the friendliest and enthusiastic audiences we’ve ever seen!”

(the) fundamentalists, spawned in Detroit in 2003 and led by multi instrumentalist Chris Taylor, have their feet firmly planted in both the electronic and raw rock heritage of their home city. Their sound, infused with an unapologetic queer intensity has been variously described as “uplifting, world-weary, bludgeoning and ethereal; in short, both the silver lining and the cloud around it.” Whether performing one of their smart, thought provoking or body moving original songs or re-interpreting something from the past, (the) fundamentalists are a musical revelation that stays with the listener long after the last note has been played.

For more information about (the)fundamentalists, check out their Myspace page at www.myspace.com/thefundamentalists or on Facebook at www.facebook.com/fundamentalistsglbtrock.

CLEVELAND LESBIAN GAY BI TRANS PRIDE, INC. dba\CLEVELAND PRIDE, INC.
Founded in 1989, Cleveland Pride has been an integral part of the Northeastern Ohio region for the past 22 years. Cleveland’s Pride celebration is among the first half-dozen such events launched in the U.S., making our Parade and Festival among the longest continuing Pride events in the country.

On an ongoing basis, Cleveland Pride brings awareness, education and knowledge of the queer community to the general public to discourage/eliminate prejudice and discrimination on the basis of a person’s actual or perceived sexual orientation or gender identity. Cleveland Pride openly recognizes and embraces all individuals of the queer community who identify as gay, lesbian, bisexual, transgender, queer questioning, intersex and straight allies, while understanding that each group identified exists in all ages, races, national origins and physical abilities.

EQUAL EMPLOYMENT OPPORTUNITY (EEO) STATEMENT

The Cleveland Lesbian Gay Bi Trans Pride, Inc. dba\Cleveland Pride is a full volunteer organization without staffing.   However, services providers and consultants may be engaged from time to time to promote or produce events for the organization.  All employees, volunteers service providers, and consultants play an important role in maintaining an environment of equal opportunity.

It is the policy of Cleveland Pride to promote and ensure equal employment and volunteer opportunities for all persons regardless of race, color, sex, national origin, religion, age, disability, sexual identity, sexual orientation or genetic information.  Equal employment opportunity principles govern all aspects of the organizations personnel engagement policies, program practices, and operations. All phases of employment (whether through contracted services or volunteerism), including recruitment, hiring, evaluation, promotion, transfer, assignment, training, benefits and separation, shall be conducted in compliance with equal employment opportunity laws and regulations.

11 After

CLEVELAND- Akron’s very own “Bad Girls of Rock n’ Roll”, 11After, will perform live on June 25 at the 2011 Cleveland Pride Festival.

After five years together, 11After has extensively toured across the U.S. and on the east coast in particular. They have seasoned their sound locally at Cleveland’s House of Blues, for years at Akron’s biggest summer party ‘Live at Lock 3’ and many other venues, dive bars and clubs too numerous to mention. They often donate part of their proceeds to local non-profits and have always supported the Akron/Cleveland music and art scene.

Deanna Cruise of 11After states “Of all the shows we’ve got lined up for 2011, Cleveland Pride is one of the ones we’re jazzed up for the most. 11After has always has and always will support the LGBT community and they have always been there for us. It’s a mutual lovefest, as far as we’re concerned and we can’t wait to show the love at Pride.”

Theron Dannemiller of Pride Entertainment states “I am happy to bring 11 After to Pride this year because they are one of the midwest’s premier all girl rock n roll bands. They bring to the stage a live raw energy that shouldn’t be missed.”

With three independently produced CDs and two videos under their studded belts, this five-female-force of  dynamic talents are well known for their tightly woven and loosely flowing sound throughout their diverse array of original music recordings and popular live shows. Their well-received CD “Because I Said So” was a local smash hit and the girls are currently fine-tuning new material for their highly anticipated new release in the summer of 2011. The bad girls of rock have arrived! For more information about 11After, check them out on Facebook at www.facebook.com/11After.

QUICKLINK: http://www.clevelandpride.org/home/parking/2011-eform-special-needs-parking/

INSTRUCTIONS

First Come, First Serve basis.  Cleveland Pride is committed to serving our entire community.  There are a limited number of handicapped parking spaces available adjacent to the Voinovich Park Festival site.  These are located on E.9th Street, north of the Shoreway, along side of the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame.

Your vehicle MUST have a valid handicapped sign displayed in plain view.  There will be a POLICE OFFICER directing those individuals with special parking needs.

Please complete the following Special Needs Parking Form in its entirety.  You will need to provide you full contact information including full name, complete address, permanent disability placard number, permanent Ohio license plate number, and optionally, special instructions.

You will receive a confirmation of your submission.  Print out this confirmation.   Your confirmation must be placed in your vehicle in plain view along with your valid disability parking placard.   This will authorize you to park in our limited number of handicapped parking spaces.

For more information regarding Ohio laws on accessing disability recognition, please go to Transportation for People with Disabilities at http://olrs.ohio.gov/asp/olrs_Transportation.asp and refer to the Accessible Vehicles section of the site.

You may also find Ohio Disability License Plates procedures at http://bmv.ohio.gov/vehicle_registration/disability_plates.htm, and Ohio Disability Parking Placards procedures at http://bmv.ohio.gov/vehicle_registration/disability_placards.htm.

Bill Maher

Bill Maher / Exceptional Artists has joined Cleveland Pride as Star Sponsors by providing us with an in-kind donation to seating at his performance in Cleveland later this year.  This gives Cleveland Pride an opportunity to use these tickets for fundraisers and volunteer appreciation packages for the 2011 season.

More about Bill Maher:

Bill Maher

July 24
7:O0 PM

Palace Theatre
in PlayhouseSquare

Bill Maher, who for the last seventeen years has set the boundaries of where funny political talk can go on American television, makes his way to Cleveland for a live appearance at the Palace Theatre in PlayhouseSquare on Sunday, July 24, at 7:00 p.m.

First on “Politically Incorrect” (Comedy Central, ABC, 1993-2002) and for the last eight years on HBO’s “Real Time,” Maher’s combination of unflinching honesty and big laughs have garnered him twenty-six Emmy nominations.  In October of 2008, this same combination was on display in Maher’s uproarious and unprecedented swipe at organized religion, “Religulous,” directed by Larry Charles (“Borat”). The documentary has gone on to become the 7th Highest Grossing Documentary ever.

In addition to his television program – which has featured such regular visitors as John Edwards, Ben Affleck, Robin Williams, Arianna Huffington, Alec Baldwin and Michael Moore – Maher has written four bestsellers: “True Story,” “Does Anybody Have a Problem with That? Politically Incorrect’s Greatest Hits,” “When You Ride Alone, You Ride with Bin Laden” and most recently, “New Rules: Polite Musings from a Timid Observer.”

Maher started his career as a stand-up comedian in 1979, and still performs at least fifty dates a year in Las Vegas and in sold out theaters all across the country.  Three of his nine stand-up specials for HBO – 2007’s “The Decider,” 2005’s “I’m Swiss,” as well as his most recent, the hilarious, “Bill Maher … But I’m Not Wrong,” – have been nominated for Emmy awards.

Maher was born in New York City, raised in River Vale, N.J. and went to Cornell University.  He now resides in Los Angeles.

Tickets for his Cleveland show are priced at $45, $55, $65 and $75, and may be purchased at the PlayhouseSqare Ticket Office, online at www.playhousesquare.org, or by phone at 216-241-6000.  For group sales, call 216-664-6050.  Tickets go on sale Friday,  April 8.

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